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Doctors treating Formula One legend Michael Schumacher have said they have begun the process of waking him up from an induced coma. He has been in the coma since shortly after brain surgery following a skiing accident.

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Schumacher's manager, Sabine Kehm, confirmed on Thursday that doctors at the French hospital treating the former Benetton, Ferrari and Mercedes driver had begun reducing the level of sedation keeping him in the induced coma.

"Michael's sedation is being reduced in order to allow the start of the waking up process which may take a long time," Kehm said in a statement.

"The family of Michael Schumacher is again requesting to respect its privacy and the medical secret, and to not disturb the doctors treating Michael in their work," she added.

"At the same time, the family wishes to express sincere appreciation for the worldwide sympathy. ... For the protection of the family, it was originally agreed by the interested parties to communicate this information only once this process was consolidated. Please note that no further updates will be given."